Landstown Orchestra

Handbook 2016-2017
Mr. Bailey, Orchestra Director jmbaileyorchestra@weebly.com
jeffrey.bailey@vbschools.com / 648-4750, ext. 61445

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to the Landstown MS Orchestra!! I love the opening day of another school year,
because I get to work with my students! I want you to expect a lot from Orchestra this year, just
as I do. Yes, we will play a lot of music, and have a lot of fun, but we will learn discipline,
teamwork and responsibility. Orchestra, like any ensemble-based class, needs the complete
cooperation of each individual to reach maximum potential. It is my goal this year to assist
each student to the best of my ability so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
>>>> PARENTS READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT COMPLETELY!!! <<<<
Orchestra Objective: To use all the tools available to succeed in music, and to
provide an environment in which student artistic potential is realized in full by hard
work and positive reinforcement.

Parents: In order to communicate regularly with you during the

school year, I would appreciate phone number and email
address to be included on the back page of this handbook. The
back page ONLY should be returned to me. Most contact will
come via email.
SUPPLY LIST:
1
2

An instrument (see under Instruments), including rosin. Extra strings recommended!

A Method Book. this year, Books 1 and 2 are LMS Textbooks, provided by the
school!! However, they will remain in the classroom, so it is still recommended that
the student has one at home for practice.
6th GRADE: We will begin with Essential Elements 2000, Book 1, and move to Book 2 by November.
7th GRADE: We will begin with Book 2 and move to Essential Techniques (green book) by Nov.
8th GRADE will use Essential Techniques the entire year.

3 A Theory Workbook, provided by the school , it is yours to keep.

4 A pencil!!!
5 Your music (copies will be handed out to take home, the originals stay in class)***.
*PLEASE tag all instruments!!! Student should have name and class period on this tag!!!

VERY IMPORTANT!! Please come prepared to every class!! We are working together as an
ensemble to prepare for every performance! Should a student forget their instrument, a school
instrument may be borrowed upon availability for the class period only, and must be issued by
the teacher. Students are NEVER allowed to use someone elses instrument, or to

get an instrument off of the shelves unless I sign the instrument out to you!
***Students MUST keep track of their own music, books, handouts, worksheets, etc.
Replacement sheets will not be made available, and it will be up to the student to get a new copy.
INSTRUMENTS: ******

required by the end of the first

week!!!
Students playing the violin or the viola need to furnish his/her own instrument. This can be
arranged as follows:
1 Instruments can be rented from a local music store. Music and Arts (Lynnhaven Crossing
and Fairfield Shopping Center), Ego Music (on Upton Drive), and Moes Music (on
Virginia Beach Boulevard) rent violins and violas for around $7.00 a month (for the 1st
three months, around $18 a month afterwards). Prices vary, so call around!!
2 Purchasing an instrument may be best in the long run. I do not recommend purchasing an
instrument off the internet - an instrument should be held to see how it feels!
***The City of Virginia Beach has a few instruments that are ONLY for those who cannot rent
one. They are first-come, first-serve, and only to use for a limited time! If you cannot obtain an
instrument and need to borrow a city one, indicate on the Agreement Form at the end.
Cello and Bass: all cellists and bassists are provided with an instrument for in-class use.
It is still recommended that an instrument be rented for practice at home. All students
using school instruments will be required to sign, with the parent, an agreement
stating that any damage or routine maintenance (strings, etc.) will be the
responsibility of the student. The instrument will be issued once the agreement is
returned. Every instrument, whether mine or yours, should be handled with care!!
GRADING:
Students will be graded on the following:
1 Rehearsal Skills 25% - AT-HOME PRACTICE, preparation, and regular solo
performance of material to measure improvement and mastery (playing quizzes).
Practice as much as you need to in order to master the musicI wont grade on amount
of practice time. How wisely you have utilized your time to master the material will be
evident in the quizzes you will take.
2 Performance 25% - ensemble participation both in the classroom and in concert.
3 Music Theory and Literacy 20% - written assignments from theory books or worksheets
4 Analysis and Evaluation 20% - listening, writing/reflecting on music
5 Music History and Culture 10% - understanding aspects and characteristics of music in
a historical context, and how culture influenced or was influenced by music.
***DO NOT let several weeks go by without practicing at home, only to try to catch
up all at once. I recommend practicing 15-20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Do not
try to cover everything in one session!! Working on one skill or even

one troublesome measure or section of music a day is a GREAT

way to practice!
As in the past, there will be one AFTER-SCHOOL period of 90 minutes per week (Tuesdays,
beginning Sept. 20th) in which practice requirements can be met. All are welcome, but the
emphasis will be on those who cannot practice at home (cello/bass) and those who need extra
help. COME PREPARED TO WORKwe can accomplish a lot in 90 minutes!
****Activity bus will take the students home, unless a parent is there by 5:30 for pick-up!

CONCERT DATES
Winter Concert: Tuesday, Dec. 13th, 2016 6:30pm
Spring Concert: Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, 6:30pm
District Assessment (7/8): Mar. 2nd 4th, 2017 (only one of those days, 6th TBA)
All-City Orchestra (participating students only): March 23 25th, 2017
7th/8th grade students may audition for Jr. District Orchestraauditions are Oct. 22th at Independence Middle
Schoolthe event is Jan. 6th and 7th, 2017!!

All school performances are mandatory***. It is an important part of the

orchestra experience orchestra is performance based, and concerts are considered the
GOAL of the class, not an extracurricular activity. Proper concert attire is orchestra
shirt (ordering information will be sent out soon) and black pants, black socks and
shoes.

***If an emergency (illness, etc.) arises which causes the student to miss a mandatory
after-school rehearsal or a concert, please send a note from home the next class period. The
student can make up the absence with a one-on-one performance of the concert material,
during regular after-school rehearsal time. No class time will be taken for make-ups.
*An after-school rehearsal may be scheduled 1-2 days prior to a concert performance. If
so, it will be mandatory. I will give the class plenty of notice so arrangements can be made.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

My students are very important to me!! I have high expectations for their work ethic
and behavior at all times. We must represent our school and the orchestral program the best
we can. To ensure this, there are specific guidelines to consider regarding participation in an
orchestra concert, at school or elsewhere:
1). Students will have had no suspensions throughout the school year.
2). Student will have a passing grade in orchestra, and be**proficient in the material.
3). Students must exhibit appropriate behavior in class to participate.

If any of these guidelines have not been met (**and the

student does know the material), the child may still perform

for the concert ONLY after a conference with the parents

and the student has been completed.
***DISTRICT ASSESSMENT (A.K.A. DISTRICT FESTIVAL): This is a district-wide
opportunity to showcase our skills as an ensemble. We perform before judges, who grade us and
give us valuable advice on how to improve as an ensemble. This is a very important
opportunity and will have a lasting effect on the growth of each member of the orchestra. It is a
mandatory concert for students as long as they meet the performance expectations above! A
make-up performance, ONE-ON-ONE with Mr. Bailey, of the complete concert music will be
necessary to those who do not attend, whether through excused or unexcused absence.

The Orchestra Environment!!

We want a safe environment and an encouraging classroom atmosphere, where every
individual will get the most out of the orchestra experience. Every one of the rules below are
designed for safety, maximum learning potential, and respect. If a student chooses not to
follow the rules or displays conduct that is not appropriate, then consequences will follow.
ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS: Reference Page 3 of the LMS Student Handbook!!!
RESTROOM: Students are not allowed to routinely leave class to use the restroom. Its best to
go to the restroom on your way to the auditorium. If a student has a medical reason for frequent
restroom breaks, parents, please put this in writing to make me aware of the situation.
WHAT I EXPECT:
1. NO food, candy, gum, or drink is allowed in the classroom at any time. This is not only
my rule, but a school rule!! We have a nice stage for our class lets keep it that way!
2. When the orchestra is instructed to stop playing, STOP!
3. A stoppage in play is not to be accompanied by talking, nor should there be talking when
someone is asking a question. It may be something others need to know.
4. No oversized purses or book bags are to be brought to class. They must be kept in
lockers. Bring only the materials you need for class.
5. No electronic devices or cell phones are to be seen in class unless by permission of the
teacher. Its okay to have them, just not turned on!!
6. Do not allow friends to accompany you into the auditorium when you drop off/pick up
your instrument, unless they are an orchestra student also!!
7. REMEMBER to show respect to the teacher, fellow students and yourself. Your
orchestra experience this year will be as exciting as you make it! Ill do everything I can
to make this a fun and productive year.
DAILY PROCEDURES:
1. Students are to enter the classroom quietly, get their instrument immediately, and be
seated. Some Fridays will begin with a written assignment, to complete during tuning.
2. After the tuning period, be prepared to start the daily warm-up. We will warm up with a
scale/rhythm daily, and an exercise or 2 in the method book.
3. Mr. Bailey will give the students plenty of time to pack up at the end of class. Students
will be dismissed by the teacher, not the clock.

4. Violins/violas are to be returned to the tables or racks, cellos/basses to the instrument

rack. Instruments are NOT to be left by the doors, on the floor, or at the front of the
stage!! Cello/bass bows must be hung on the pegs. No sword play with the bows!!!
5. On Fridays, we will often begin class with worksheetshave your pencil ready!!!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
I expect every student to come ready to play, bringing all their
necessary supplies to every class meeting, and to making a true effort
to EXCEED THEIR CURRENT PLAYING ABILITY through practice and
study. I want this to be a positive experience, so everyone needs to
take on this responsibility to the best of their ability.

AGREEMENT FORM (to be returned to Mr. Bailey by Friday, 9/9/16)

This Orchestra Handbook has been compiled to clarify and explain the policies and
requirements for each student. Please fill out this page and return it to Mr. Bailey
by Friday, Sept. 9th, 2016. Keep the remainder of this handbook throughout the
school year as a reference!! Please add any additional info or comments below!
My child ______________________________ (print childs name) and I have
received, read and understand the contents of this handbook and agree to
comply with the rules and policies within, including:
-necessary classroom materials
-classroom procedure and discipline policies
-grading categories
-practicing regularly (as needed to master the material!!).
-performance expectations.
Orchestra class period______________

Home room________________

Parent signature_____________________________ Date____________

Student signature____________________________ Date____________
Home phone __________________ Cell phone ____________________
E-mail address (IMPORTANT!)__________________________________
Any special needs? ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Indicate here if you need to borrow (temporarily) an instrument from the City of Virginia Beach.

Instrument (violin, viola, cello) ___________________________

You will sign a contract stating that you are responsible for all maintenance of the instrument. You will need to
provide your own rosin and method book. Instrument will be returned in the same condition as when loaned to you.

Comments?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

The Grading Scale for the 2016-2017

school year is as follows:

A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
E

93-100
90 - 92
87-89
83 - 86
80 82
77 - 79
73 76
70 72
67 - 69
64 - 66
Below 64

Landstown Middle
School
String Orchestra
Handbook

2016-2017